A tridimensional view of the organization of actin filaments in the central nervous system by use of fluorescent photooxidation

Biocell. 2008 Apr;32(1):1-8.

Abstract

Cellular and subcellular organization and distribution of actin filaments have been studied with various techniques. The use of fluorescence photo-oxidation combined with phalloidin conjugates with eosin has allowed the examination of the precise cellular and subcellular location of F-actin. Correlative fluorescence light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies of F-actin distribution are facilitated with this method for morphological and physiological studies. Because phalloidin-eosin is smaller than other markers, this method allows the analysis of the three-dimensional location of F-actin with high-resolution light microscopy, three-d serial sections reconstructions, and electron tomography. The combination of selective staining and three-dimensional reconstructions provide a valuable tool for revealing aspects of the synaptic morphology that are not available when conventional electron microscopy is used. By applying this selective staining technique and three-dimensional imaging, we uncovered the structural organization of actin in the postsynaptic densities in physiological and pathological conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Actin Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure*
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / ultrastructure*
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS) / pharmacology
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Models, Molecular
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phalloidine / pharmacology
  • Photons
  • Staining and Labeling / methods

Substances

  • Actins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Phalloidine
  • Eosine Yellowish-(YS)